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CHICAGO — As Carolyn M. Mulac writes in the introduction to her new book “Fundamentals of Reference,” the purpose of the work “is to present an outline of the big picture that is reference.” Published by ALA Editions, “Fundamentals of Reference” is the all-in-one “Reference reference” library professionals have been waiting for, an invaluable resource offering a concise introduction to sources and services for a variety of readers. Library staff members who are asked to work in the reference department as well as managers and others who wish to familiarize themselves with this important area of librarianship will appreciate the accessible style and its design for everyday use. A new addition to the ALA Fundamentals Series, it presents an overview of the basic tools and techniques of reference work, including:

“Reference Services,” a section addressing such important topics as telephone reference, the reference interview and electronic reference;

Mulac’s work is an excellent training tool for both new and experienced library staff and will quickly become a fundamental reference. An active member of RUSA, Mulac has more than 30 years’ experience in reference work, has served on a number of committees and chaired the Reference Books Bulletin Editorial Board, the Dartmouth Medal Committee and the Management of Reference Committee. She has reviewed reference sources for Booklist since 1991 and contributed to the sixth and seventh editions of “Reference Sources for Small and Medium-Sized Libraries.” In 2008 she received the Illinois Library Association’s Reference Services Award.

ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide. ALA Editions publishes resources used worldwide by tens of thousands of library and information professionals to improve programs, build on best practices, develop leadership, and for personal professional development. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a growing range of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions at (800) 545-2433 ext. 5418 or editionsmarketing@ala.org.